The Departmental Committee on Communication, Innovation and Information on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 met officials from concerned professional bodies to consider the Public Relations and Communication Management Bill.

 Amongst those who made their submissions include the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK), the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM), and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).

 While these organizations backed the proposed legislation, concerns were raised by several legislators regarding the specifics of its implementation. The primary issues centered on the criteria for qualification, the certification and licensing of professionals, the role of the proposed institute in providing training, and how the Bill would contribute to reshaping Kenya's public narrative.

 Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. John Kiarie (Dagoretti South) emphasized the importance of clear standards in professional qualifications.

  "It's crucial that we establish stringent criteria for those who will be licensed under this Bill. We need to ensure that the individuals representing our nation in public relations and communication are held to the highest standards," he said.

 Hon. Erastus Nzioka (Mbooni) raised questions about the institute's role in offering training, noting that training is essential in elevating the standards of public relations in this country. He added that the Bill needed to be clear on whether it mandates the institute to provide training or if the institute will simply oversee certification.

 Hon. Jematiah Sergon (Baringo) expressed concerns about the Bill's potential impact on the nation's narrative and its ability to prevent future crises.

  "We need to ask ourselves how this Bill will help change the narrative of our country. Can it prevent the kinds of communication failures that have left our nation in turmoil in the past?" she questioned.